The history of key lime pie is as layered as it is delightful. While there's still some debate swirling around its true place of origin, there's no disputing the role of the Florida Keys in perfecting it. Key limes, smaller and more aromatic than regular limes, have been cultivated in the Keys and the Caribbean for generations. Rumor has it that the earliest known recipe dates back to 1931, published by Key West resident Mrs. H. Griner, which called for a simple filling of key lime juice, eggs, and sweetened condensed milk. Even more noteworthy, some say the late legendary author and beloved Key West resident, Ernest Hemingway himself, had a hand — or at least a fork — in the pie's fame, thanks to his chef who supposedly perfected the recipe in his Key West home, although this has yet to be proven. Legend also has it that a slice of key lime pie would help Hemingway when he had writer's block. (I've actually driven to Gramp's Getaway for a slice to prove this theory as a writer myself. Unfortunately, the results were inconclusive, and I left with a margarita in hand.)
Nevertheless, here's my hard truth: while the absolute best key lime pies can be found in the Keys, it doesn't mean Miami's out of the game. We've got some truly incredible contenders up here, pies so good they'll make you close your eyes and swear you're on Duval Street with a fork in one hand and a piña colada in the other. Over the past five to ten years, I've tasted nearly every single pie on this list myself — a labor of love, dedication, and maybe a little obsession — to ensure New Times' guide to the best key lime pies in Miami is the most definitive you'll find. From longtime legends like Joe's Stone Crab to hidden neighborhood gems like Fookem's Fabulous, every slice here has earned its spot. And while I'll never stop making my pilgrimages south, I can promise you this: Miami is serving up incredible key lime pies worth staying in town for.
Blue Collar
6789 Biscayne Blvd., Miami305-756-0366
bluecollarmiami.comIf you're looking for a key lime pie that truly tastes homemade, look no further than pastry chef Meghan Perkins' key lime pie at Blue Collar (she also makes the key lime pies served at Mignonette). Perkins, wife of Cocaine Cowboys director Billy Corben, adds her homemade touch to the key lime pie at Blue Collar, and they're so creamy, perfectly tart, and rich. Her recipe is made with hand-squeezed limes and a housemade vanilla bean whipped cream that truly makes this one of the more unique and decadent pies on this zesty list. (By the way, Perkins is now selling her pies locally in South Miami for delivery. You can order them at misspieami.com.)
Bob Roth's New River Groves makes legendary key lime pie in Fort Lauderdale (that's worth the drive from Miami)
Bob Roth's New River Groves photo
Bob Roth's New River Groves
5660 Griffin Rd., Davie954-581-8630
newrivergroves.com For over 50 years, Bob Roth's New River Groves in Fort Lauderdale has been serving an award-winning key lime pie so fresh and flavorful it earns a spot on my list of the best in Miami — yes, it's worth the drive. The family-owned grove uses perfectly tart key lime juice (that they even sell by the bottle because it's that good) and a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a pie, which is known as "Terry's Famous Key Lime Pie," that tastes like pure South Florida sunshine. Its decades-long legacy proves that when you do something this well, there's no need to change a thing. They even helped solidify key lime as Florida's favorite pie.
dbakers Sweet Studio
3501 NE Second Ave., Miami786-310-8763
dbakers.usWinner of New Times' Best Key Lime Pie 2020, this tangy slice of heaven comes topped with a mile-high mountain of meringue that gives each bite the ideal sweet-to-tart ratio (and even reminds me of the famous key lime pie served at Blue Heaven down in Key West). Owned and operated by twin brothers who have mastered the art of macarons, cakes, and a variety of confections, they left no stone unturned when creating their version of a quintessential South Florida favorite. It's available by the slice or a whole pie, and calling ahead to reserve this tasty treat is recommended, as it's known to fly off the display shelves.
Fireman Derek's Bake Shop makes some of the best key lime pie in Miami
Fireman Derek's Bake Shop photo
Fireman Derek's Bake Shop
Locations in Wynwood, Coconut Grove, and FTLfiremandereks.comMiami's most well-known pie shop, Fireman Derek's, may tempt you with dozens of flavors (I'm a huge fan of the "Cookie Monster" pie myself), but it's the key lime pie, the very first pie its founder, Derek Kaplan, ever made, that will have you hooked for life. Made with condensed milk, freshly squeezed key lime juice, a buttery graham crust, and a few secret ingredients, it's a slice of heaven that perfectly balances tang and sweetness. One bite and you'll be dreaming about your next slice before you've even finished the first (I would know from personal experience).
Fookem's Fabulous
3606 Grand Ave., Miami305-699-2122
fookemsfabulous.comIf pie were a portal, a slice from Fookem's Fabulous would transport you directly to Key West. Winner of New Times' Best Key Lime Pie 2022, what started as a home business during the pandemic is now a full-fledged storefront and has become a Coconut Grove staple. Founder Joshua Abril, an out-of-work TV producer, taught himself to make key lime pie by watching dozens of YouTube tutorials, and his trials truly paid off. The version Abril settled on, which is a creamy and tart delight with a salty graham-cracker crust (the only salted crust in this list), quickly rivaled those made by the best pastry chefs in Miami.
Gramp's Getaway
3301 Rickenbacker Cswy., Key Biscayne305-465-2482
instagram.com/grampsgetawayAt the waterfront gem that is Gramp's Getaway in Key Biscayne, the key lime pie is a tart-and-sweet masterpiece you'll want to dive right into — each tiny key lime juiced by hand. It’s so good you’ll be tempted to order one for yourself and another to take home to the friend who missed dinner (because you’re nice like that). Fun fact: despite its perfection here, key lime pie didn’t even originate in Key Biscayne — but Gramp’s makes a strong case that it should have.
Joe's Stone Crab
11 Washington Ave., Miami Beach305-673-0365
joesstonecrab.comAt Miami Beach's beloved institution known for its savory namesake, you'll also find Joe's famous key lime pie, arguably the benchmark for Florida's favorite dessert. The pie's perfect graham cracker crust holds a silky filling that's equal parts sweet and sour, with just the right amount of zest. It's not covered in a large amount of meringue, but the freshly made whipped cream on top is divine, rich, and airy. (Pro tip: Call ahead to order a whole pie. It'll last longer, though probably not by much.)
LoKal by Kush
3190 Commodore Plz.305-442-3377
kushhospitality.comAt LoKal by Kush in Coconut Grove, the key lime pie is a Miami must, built on a buttery graham cracker crust that’s as crave-worthy as the filling itself. Each slice strikes the perfect balance of tart key lime tang and smooth, creamy sweetness, making it impossible to stop at just one bite. It’s comfort food with a South Florida soul, served up in one of the Grove's most beloved spots.
Miss Debbie's Sweet Delights
msdebbiesweetdelights.comWinner of New Times' Best Key Lime Pie 2025, the only thing more delightful than owner and baker Miss Debbie herself is her delectable varieties of key lime pies. Her classic version is pure sweet-sour perfection, but don't sleep on the other 32 flavors, which include guava, passion fruit, and roasted coconut. You can even customize your own key lime concoction with the baker (within reason). Not a fan of Florida's official pie? Miss Debbie's Sweet Delights also offers a "Love Cake," which is made with vanilla and coconut and tastes like actual human affection. Order by phone (786-728-2666) or email ([email protected]); pies and cakes are available for delivery or pickup in Cutler Bay, but no walk-ins.
Publix Supermarket
Locations across Miami and FloridaHear me out. Publix's original key lime pie is the tastiest store-bought key lime pie in Miami — and it actually gives some restaurant-made ones a run for their money. For 24 years, Publix pies have brought home blue ribbons at the National Pie Championships, including in 2025 when its original key lime pie won in the "Best Mini Pie" category and in the "Large Pie" category. Plus, it's so good, it even won New Times' Best Key Lime Pie 2024. Made with authentic key limes, the filling is light yet lush with just the right amount of tartness. It's also nestled in a crumbly, buttery graham cracker crust. Although it says it serves about eight or nine people, who are we kidding — dig in with a spoon all by yourself. Any pie is a single-serving pie if you put your heart into it.
Whisk Gourmet
7382 SW 56th Ave., South Miami754-345-8821
whiskgourmet.comFeatured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives with Guy Fieri, Whisk Gourmet in South Miami is a hidden gem where no visit is complete without their made-from-scratch key lime pie. Since opening in 2011, this tart, creamy, and perfectly balanced dessert, made with a graham cracker crust that has just the right amount of crunch, has been a local favorite. It's not fancy, it's honestly not that pretty, and they place sliced strawberries on top of the whipped cream for garnish, but it's so well done here that you'll find yourself debating whether to order a second slice... (just do it).
